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NFL Draft News

Charlie Peprah DB 5’11 200 Alabama
By: Robert Davis

Charlie Peprah is what a student athlete is all about. He has already graduated from Alabama, and is playing this season while working on his masters. On the field, he made an immediate impact as a freshman corner with a team leading four interceptions to go along with 47 tackles. As a sophomore, he had four more interceptions to go along with a career high 69 tackles. As a junior, Peprah made the switch to strong safety and racked up 51 tackles and an interception. He didn't make any big plays this year, but he still managed to be in on 43 tackles, three of them coming behind the line of scrimmage.

Peprah is a very good athlete, and has the ability to play both corner and safety at the next level. His experience at both positions should help his adjustment to the league, and gives teams two ways to utilize his talents. As a corner, Peprah has the natural athleticism and cover skills to move with the receiver. His experience at safety has helped him because physical and active in the running game. His time at corner definitely helps him as a safety, where his cover skills are excellent.

Even though he has played strong safety lately, he will not play that spot in the NFL. He lacks the size and the strength to play there at the next level. If he is a safety, he will play free, but he does not have the experience at that spot. As a corner, he has not played the spot full time since his sophomore year and may lack the development to provide an early impact at that spot. Wherever he plays, Peprah lacks the speed to keep up with the fast receivers deep down the field.

Peprah is an intriguing talent. He has the talent to play two spots, but will be labeled a tweener by most. His size is that of a corner, but his skills might be better served at free safety. Since teams value corners more, Peprah may get a look as a corner, but even if he does not make it there, his versatility in the secondary and ability on special teams should find him a home on an NFL roster.